Romilda P. Crocamo

The meeting covered the adoption of the agenda, public comments regarding the Task Force Report, campaign finance software, and mail-in ballot drop boxes. Key discussion points in the Director's Election Bureau Report included Party Certification filing, the mailing of Permanent Voter Notices, availability of Candidate Petition Packets for local races, discussions with Runbeck concerning a faulty drop box, the redaction of campaign finance reports for new software implementation, and the decision to use the Verity voting system due to Vanguard certification delays. Public comments also addressed the fail to file list, the legality of photos taken near drop boxes, and the need for improved signage at the Coal Street voting location.

The meeting convened for a Voting Session following public hearings regarding the Purchasing Manual and a New Division. Key agenda items included the adoption of an ordinance amending the Purchasing Manual to align with new state bidding thresholds and incorporate the Responsible Contractor Ordinance. The Council also adopted an ordinance creating the Division of Infrastructure, Community and Economic Development. Several resolutions were adopted concerning ARPA funds, authorizing the replacement of a drainage culvert, accepting additional RACP funds for Lehigh Valley Health Network, and authorizing engineering services for the West Nanticoke Bridge replacement. The Council also addressed the allocation of Opioid Settlement Proceeds to various county entities. Significant time was spent on making appointments to various Authorities, Boards, and Commissions, including the Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Transportation Authority, Zoning Hearing Board, and the Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission. The session concluded with public comment on non-agenda items, including discussions related to ICE resolutions and poll worker protection.

The meeting commenced with public hearings regarding Domestic Relations, Licensing, and Workers Comp, followed by the official Voting Session call to order. Key agenda items included the introduction of ordinances to amend the 2026 and 2025 Fiscal Year Budgets related to Domestic Relations, Licensing, and Workers Comp, respectively. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussion and voting on a proposed ordinance establishing protections for Election Workers from Harassment, Intimidation, and Retaliation, which ultimately failed adoption after several amendments were considered and voted upon. Resolutions were adopted concerning the partnership and operating agreement for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, certification of County Farmland Preservation Funds for Program Year 2026, and modifications to several American Rescue Plan Act Funds Awarded Projects, including those for Road & Bridge and the Flood Protection Authority. Furthermore, resolutions were passed to allocate Opioid Settlement Proceeds to various entities, including the Drug & Alcohol program, the District Attorney's Office, the Drug Treatment Court, and the Community College AllOne Recovery Educational Institute. Numerous appointments to various Authorities, Boards, and Commissions were processed, including members for the Luzerne Conservation District Board of Directors, Accountability Conduct and Ethics Commission, Arts Advisory Board, Board of Elections and Registration, and Community College Board of Trustees. Several agenda items, specifically those related to the Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority, and others, were tabled. Finally, resolutions were adopted declaring vacancies on the Mental Health and Developmental Services Program Advisory Board and the Accountability Conduct and Ethics Commission due to a death and a resignation, respectively, before the meeting adjourned.

The Work Session agenda included the reception and discussion of Division Reports for January 2026. Key discussion topics scheduled for resolutions included authorizing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to replace a drainage culvert and pipe on County Owned Main Road in Sweet Valley, and approving the acceptance of additional Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds on behalf of Lehigh Valley Health Network, Inc. Additionally, the Council was set to discuss an ordinance adopting an amended Purchasing Manual, which aligns with new state public bidding base amounts effective January 1, 2026, and incorporates the Responsible Contractor Ordinance. Another discussion item involved an ordinance establishing procedures for County participation in Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) Programs. Finally, there was a resolution expressing concern regarding the use of deadly force by Federal Immigration Enforcement Officers and urging federal oversight and accountability.

The Board of Directors meeting included a review and acceptance of the Treasurer's Report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025, noting quarter-end assets of $2,084,398 and revenue over expenditures of $39,367 for the quarter. Updates were provided on the 'Historic Altamont Redevelopment Project' and the 'Weinberg Regional Food Bank Expansion' Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program projects, with anticipation for final audit acceptance and grant payment finalization in the first quarter of 2026. The Board unanimously passed resolutions authorizing officers to execute documents related to the sale of unnamed property parcels and recognizing Dale Parmenteri and Brian Rinker for their service to the authority. The 2026 meeting schedule was also established.